Monday, June 22, 2015

Yea.. Now Answer Me The This... it's back!

So I have been silent forever... and that's okay.  I am not much of a blogger but I do enjoy writing. I've come to realize that I love "playing along" with other blogger's weekly challenges or questions.. but I am not one much to sit down and create something on my own.

I will admit I am partly insecure about what I have to share so using someone else's platform helps.

Anyway... I was thrilled to see that Kendra, one of my favorite and most inspiring bloggers, has brought back "Now Answer Me This..." for the summer.   Yea and thanks Kendra!!




1.  What's the best thing about your dad?

What a great question!!  My dad is great.  He's a fix-it sort of man but he's soft hearted.
The best thing-- I would have said his work ethic... but now seeing him as a Grandpa I'd have to say his ability to love and embrace the moment.  My children adore him... and I adore watching them all together.

My dad has always had motorcycles.  He's now more of a four-wheeled ATV guy (safety first).

A family pic from this summer.





2.  If you've got kids, what's the best thing about their dad?

John is a great dad.  He's all-hands-on.  He is willing to step out of himself to have fun and make the kids laugh.  While he sets limits, he also is fun.  I think the best thing about him is his ability to love them whole hardheartedly in the moment (hmmm... strangely similar to what I wrote about my own dad!!)

Here's a picture from Friday evening at our co-op end of the year party.  Besty wanted to dance.. so he danced... :)


And an all time favorite pic... the girls insisted Daddy would get cold so he is wearing on of their hats.  He wore it around the block on a walk and didn't care that he looked silly.  Love that man.





3.  What's the best advice your dad has ever given you?

Best advice has been more of a lifestyle.  My parents chose not to live beyond their means.  My dad set examples of making modest choices.  His examples have bled into who I am now and the choices we make.  It's not always easy or fun but modest living is the right way in my opinion and I thank my dad for teaching me to not go into debt "just because I need ____".


4.  What's something you have in common with your dad?

My mom would say it's definitely that we are thinkers... we both dwell on decisions and think them over and over before acting.  I wouldn't say that's a bad thing.. it's just what we do.

oh, and the love of a good yard sale :)


5.  What's the manliest thing you know how to do?

Hmmm... ride a motorcycle??  I started young. I don't ride one now but I could if I needed to ride one.  I also drive a stick shift and can drive an H-column stick shift.

So I searched for a pic of me on a "50" motorcycle. I was four.  I can't believe I rode at four... my four year old isn't even riding a bike yet.  Alas I couldn't find it but I did find a pic of my dad driving our old Bronco and Toyota... both H-columns.. so that'll have to do (plus this is a Father's Day edition!)



6.  Who's your favorite fictional dad?

Toss up here-- from year's past, Charles Ingalls. He reminds me of my dad.  Hard working and full of wisdom.


And a more modern man/husband/dad is Adam Braverman from Parenthood.  I love the balance of his character.  I see a lot of my own husband in his character.  



Have a good week!!  (and countdown to Edel starts now!!)

Friday, January 9, 2015

Seven Quick Takes

I've not blogged since August... but really I am not a blogger. I wish I was... but it just isn't in my daily schedule.

Seven Quick Takes December Style.

1.  Mary Jane's birthday is in early December.  We celebrated St. Nicolas day with fun goodies in our shoes (no pics).. and then had a day of fun at home.  Friends came over and we made sugar cookies (emphasis on the sugar!) and played with our bunnies... and overall just had a fun time celebrating four!





2.  On Mary Jane's actual birthday, she enjoyed all the joys of opening presents.  But her favorite present had to be her very own sleeping bag.  She and Betsy loved to snuggle.  It's amazing how snuggily they can be and how quickly that all shifts.  <sigh>




3.  Fast forward to closer to Christmas (we are missing pics from our Christmas tea, our Jesse tree, our Christmas tree... see I am not a blogger!)...  We headed East to celebrate Christmas with my parents.  They live in Arizona on a large plot of land.  That means lots of dirt, bike riding, and fun rides on ATVs and Grandpa's tractor.




4.  Christmas Eve ended with reading "The Night Before Christmas..."  I am not crazy about Santa Claus... but he visits.  And the girls love it.  





5.  Fast forward to Christmas morning.... Mama... I mean Santa had a great idea.  Single serving cereal in the stocking!  That meant we could open stockings and have a quick but fun breakfast and head to Mass.  It worked brilliantly... everyone was happy (well that may be an exaggeration... but it worked!)






6.  And they kids had a lovely set of new gifts.  Several, like this bouncy house, will stay at Grandma's house.  They loved it.  Aunt Lisa gave it to them.... she got it used (!) from her coworker.  What a fun treat.  And Jack loved it too.  He would giggle and flop around as the girls bounced and bounce.  The other big hit was a new scooter for each girl.  They have mastered it.. so much I am nervous! 





7.  And as we typically do, we ended the year back in Los Angeles celebrating with John's dad who turned 82 on NYE!  Thanks to my father-in-law, we always have NYE plans... lunch at Polly's Pie followed by bowling.  And let me say.... my 82 FIL bowled better than most of the people in attendance!




Happy 2015!